Olympics: Dream Team?

With disgust, I have to report that the dream is over.

The once proud dynasty that was USA Basketball has fallen like all great things must one day do.

The mystique is gone and serious work is needed to rebuild our once proud heritage.

I laugh at all those who say, "We will win when it counts."

The Dream Team lost to Puerto Rico.

There was a time when this type of headline would have been an SNL skit or used in a Jay Leno routine, something so ridiculous no one would take it as anything, but a joke.

The joke is on us. As low as I feel now, this defeat gives me hope.

USA Basketball may take everyone's advice and start reevaluating the way they pick an Olympic roster.

The USA needs to come up with a formula on how to put an Olympic team together and stick to it.

I propose the following:

1. Three players who have been NBA All-Stars, no younger than 25, no older than 30.

2. Two players who have been NBA All-Stars, no younger than 30, no older than 35.

3. Three players that are defensive specialists.

4. Three players that are "deadly" shooters with minimums of 45% field goal percentage, 40% three-point percentage and 80% freethrow percentage from the previous season.

5. One proven floor leader at the point guard position.

The formula above is by no means perfect, but provides an example of a system that puts a roster on the floor with a more balanced attack and defined roles for the players.

Projected Roster using proposed formula (barring players who declined invitation to this year's team):

C. Brad Miller (point 1) PF. Tim Duncan (point 1) SF. Michael Finley (point 2) SG. Michael Redd (point 1) PG. Sam Cassell (point 2)

PG. Bobby Jackson (point 5) SF. Brent Barry (point 4) PF. Brian Cardinal (point 4) SG. Fred Hoiberg (point 4) PF. Theo Ratliff (point 3) C. Marcus Camby (point 3) SG. Doug Christie (point 3)

Again, this is just a projection, but is it just me? Or is there something about this team that makes it seem more like a "team."

The lineup is built around the only legit superstar, that wanted to play, that has skills that also translate well to the International game.

The starting lineup has guys who can play, but don't need the ball to be successful and just by coincidence every player on this roster also happens to be a workhorse.

My point is that USA Basketball does not have to make a roster at the mercy of NBA stars who have better things to do than represent there country. Representing America is a privilege and it is about time Team USA has players who felt the same way.

Gold Medal or not this would be a team you could be proud of.

You can see more of Stephen's writing at http://www.thesportmanagementnetwork.org or discuss this article with the author at http://smasters1.proboards31.com/index.cgi .